Both presenters stressed climate change issues and the urgency of addressing the temperature increase associated with decreased rainfall with their implications for crops and insects. Reference was made to the publication in Nature journal titled "Crop pests: Under attack" by Amy Maxmen at: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v501/n7468_supp/full/501S15a.html

Dr Christopher T. Simmons presented climate change and the different scenarios and those that are likely with a focus on dryland. He highlighted the difference in different models and the implications for each of the model when compared to averaging models outcome. http://www.esmg.mcgill.ca/ICARDA.pdf

Geoinformatics and genetic resources under changing climate

Biradar Chandrasekhar

The potential of geo-informatics in predictions but also in generating data that is of value in targeting and locating climate change related traits in genetic resources.

Adaptation of farmers to climate change: A system approach – A case study of cereal production in Benslimane Region, Morocco

Points made by Si Bennasser Alaoui

Morocco faces severe climate change leading to diminishing rainfall increase in temperature and salinity affecting mostly soft wheat (T. aestivum). Need of new varieties to adapt to the changing climate condition and increase diversity of crops.